Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Aspen, Colo., San Diego, and New York, Feb. 6, 2024—JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Margery Perry as the recipient of the inaugural Gerald Fishbone Award in recognition of her longstanding volunteerism at Breakthrough T1D, as well as her service on the Breakthrough T1D Research Committee.
Named after the late Dr. Gerald Fishbone, a tireless T1D champion and a part of Breakthrough T1D from the very beginning, the award recognizes an individual for exemplary, long-term volunteerism in support of Breakthrough T1D mission priorities.
Margery became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 1988 as a member of the San Diego Board of Directors shortly after her daughter was diagnosed with T1D. Margery currently serves as the research pillar lead for the Global Mission Board, member of the Directors Emeritus and Impact and Advocacy Committee, and as an advisor to the Research Committee.
Over the years, Margery’s passion and dedication to advancing T1D research led her to play key roles within Breakthrough T1D, including as both member and chair of the Lay Review Committee, member of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors, and in the critical position of chair of the Research Committee. As chair of the Research Committee, Margery further solidified Breakthrough T1D’s groundbreaking research initiatives and provided a steady hand during a time when it was needed. She is an advocate for clinical trial education and early detection of T1D and is passionate about the progress being made in T1D prevention and cures research.
“It is an honor to recognize long-time Breakthrough T1D volunteer and advocate, Margery Perry, with the inaugural Gerald Fishbone Award,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Margery’s dedication and passion for type 1 diabetes research, as well as her steadfast partnership with Breakthrough T1D staff and the research community, have advanced Breakthrough T1D’s mission. We are grateful for her ongoing contributions and commitment to finding cures for type 1 diabetes.”
Breakthrough T1D recognizes and appreciates all of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer award recipients were recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in Houston, Texas.
About Breakthrough T1D
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
